My thoughts about the new Valkyrie and it's impact on the VRCC

[Dave Ritsema]

I understand that the design of the new Valkyrie is somewhat polarizing, much as it was when it was first introduced. In 1996 when the Valkyries were introduced to the public all the old Goldwing guys pissed and moaned how this new Valkyrie looked horrible and it shouldn't even be associated with the Goldwing name. The GWRRA wouldn't even allow them to be in their club. Funny how history repeats itself sometimes.

I have seen many comments stating that the new Valkyrie and the F6B are just different versions o Goldwings. Was not the original Valkyrie basically a Goldwing also? Yes, it was essentially a hot rodded Goldwing. Did you really think that when building a bike nearly 17 years after the first one that they were not going to integrate new technology such as a stiffer frame, updated suspension and braking and a different look? Would they not use common parts from current machines in production to lower their manufacturing costs? HD has been using that manufacturing model since the 70's with great sucess. This is not all that much different now then the original machine was in it's time.

I look at this as an opportunity to infuse this club with new members and new ideas centered on the Valkyrie. I would hope that in the very least we could keep an open mind about the new Valkyrie and be welcoming to those who have seen this powerful new machine, purchased one and are interested in being part of the community and enjoying the camaraderie  that makes this such a great club.

Keep an open mind, ride one, give the aftermarket the opportunity to start developing products, see what the first new owners do to them when they get their hands on them.

I bet this time next year there will be considerably fewer naysayers. Just my opinion and I know what its worth.

[BF]

"New" Valkyrie owners will be welcome here....as anyone is, however, I think that simply because it has so much more in common with the F6B and the Goldwing, that new owners of the new Valk will gravitate to other boards....and not here.

I could be wrong, but time will tell.   

[bentwrench]

Or we could add a F6C board to the general heading.

[fudgie]

BF- dont our valks have alot of common things with the goldwing?

I aggree Dave 100% Everyone pissed and moaned for a FI, 1800, etc and now its here and no one wants it. 

I like the pictures of it. Do I wish it looked more like our old Valks, sure but its not gonna happen. Progress. Even cars and trucks change there styles thru the yrs. I hated the rounded look of GMC in 1999/2000. I drive a 04 Z71. 

Ive thrown around the idea of looking hard at a F6B. Thx Dave & six2go  lol. But when I pull in the garage and look at her, I cant give her up. 

[fudgie]

Or we could add a F6C board to the general heading.

I believe thats what the Euro Valks are called.

[Dave Ritsema]

BF- dont our valks have alot of common things with the goldwing?

I aggree Dave 100% Everyone pissed and moaned for a FI, 1800, etc and now its here and no one wants it. 

I like the pictures of it. Do I wish it looked more like our old Valks, sure but its not gonna happen. Progress. Even cars and trucks change there styles thru the yrs. I hated the rounded look of GMC in 1999/2000. I drive a 04 Z71. 

Ive thrown around the idea of looking hard at a F6B. Thx Dave & six2go  lol. But when I pull in the garage and look at her, I cant give her up. 

Your bike is beautiful bro and one of a kind. Don't get rid of it, just add a stablemate.
You would love the F6B. 

[PAVALKER]

"New" Valkyrie owners will be welcome here....as anyone is, however, I think that simply because it has so much more in common with the F6B and the Goldwing, that new owners of the new Valk will gravitate to other boards....and not here.

I could be wrong, but time will tell.   

I agree.....  These new breeds don't share anything with the ones we ride except for part of a name.

[jimmytee]

Or we could add a F6C board to the general heading.

I believe thats what the Euro Valks are called.

Yes the F6C nomenclature is not new to the 2014 Valkyrie

[fudgie]

Your bike is beautiful bro and one of a kind. Don't get rid of it, just add a stablemate.
You would love the F6B. 

Thx.  I do have a 2012 750 shadow as a stablemate. Only put 2 miles on it this yr. Its scarey to ride.  Trying to find a low price Kawa Vaqeuro.

[Foozle]

I understand that the design of the new Valkyrie is somewhat polarizing, much as it was when it was first introduced. In 1996 when the Valkyries were introduced to the public all the old Goldwing guys pissed and moaned how this new Valkyrie looked horrible and it shouldn't even be associated with the Goldwing name. The GWRRA wouldn't even allow them to be in their club. Funny how history repeats itself sometimes.

I have seen many comments stating that the new Valkyrie and the F6B are just different versions o Goldwings. Was not the original Valkyrie basically a Goldwing also? Yes, it was essentially a hot rodded Goldwing. Did you really think that when building a bike nearly 17 years after the first one that they were not going to integrate new technology such as a stiffer frame, updated suspension and braking and a different look? Would they not use common parts from current machines in production to lower their manufacturing costs? HD has been using that manufacturing model since the 70's with great sucess. This is not all that much different now then the original machine was in it's time.

I look at this as an opportunity to infuse this club with new members and new ideas centered on the Valkyrie. I would hope that in the very least we could keep an open mind about the new Valkyrie and be welcoming to those who have seen this powerful new machine, purchased one and are interested in being part of the community and enjoying the camaraderie  that makes this such a great club.

Keep an open mind, ride one, give the aftermarket the opportunity to start developing products, see what the first new owners do to them when they get their hands on them.

I bet this time next year there will be considerably fewer naysayers. Just my opinion and I know what its worth.

Very aptly stated, Dave.  My only gripe with either of these models is that I don't have the cash to afford one. (Well, OK, I *would* like to see both come with ABS).  Terry

[..]

Do I come here for tech help with my ST1300? Nope.

I am here because I rode a Valkyrie for 4 years and 70,000 miles. It's the people I've met who keep me here. I can put faces to so many names.

The new Valkyrie owners will go to the Wing forums for tech help. There's not much engine/transmission difeference if any. Then they will stay there ?

[MAD6Gun]

 I would buy a NEW valk or a F6B if I had the money. But I would NOT trade mine in. Got to much in it. And like Dave said about Brians bike. Mine is also very Unique. Could not part with it...

[eric in md]

Do I come here for tech help with my ST1300? Nope.

I am here because I rode a Valkyrie for 4 years and 70,000 miles. It's the people I've met who keep me here. I can put faces to so many names.

The new Valkyrie owners will go to the Wing forums for tech help. There's not much engine/transmission difeference if any. Then they will stay there ?

yup what he said great point its family to me..

[..]

Do I come here for tech help with my ST1300? Nope.

I am here because I rode a Valkyrie for 4 years and 70,000 miles. It's the people I've met who keep me here. I can put faces to so many names.

The new Valkyrie owners will go to the Wing forums for tech help. There's not much engine/transmission difeference if any. Then they will stay there ?

yup what he said great point its family to me..

Some faces only a blind mother could love 

[eric in md]

Do I come here for tech help with my ST1300? Nope.

I am here because I rode a Valkyrie for 4 years and 70,000 miles. It's the people I've met who keep me here. I can put faces to so many names.

The new Valkyrie owners will go to the Wing forums for tech help. There's not much engine/transmission difeference if any. Then they will stay there ?

yup what he said great point its family to me..

Some faces only a blind mother could love 

well by god quit looking in the mirror buddy ..might scare yourself

[solo1]

I'm with Paul.  I 've owned a Valkyrie for 13 years. Now that I own a Vstrom I still come here and remember all of the nice Valk owners who I've met.

I changed because of the weight. Cruisers are heavy.  The F6 and the new Valkyrie are heavy.


I think that Dave has the right idea.  These new bikes will catch on and hopefully the owners will come here or stay here.

[Misfit]

Dave Ritsma is a very wise and savy dude. 

[old2soon]

The ONLY things the New and old Valkyries have in common is their first name-Honda. At my age and financial situation I'm relatively-NOT 100%-certain I'm looking at a trike of some sort for my next ride and NOT a new trike by any means.  I've been on-not ridden-the F 6 B and I still maintain it's a G/W they left 10 G worth of stuff off. IF I had the money available I'd be looking very hard at a NEW 2 or 3 year old G/W and yes-they are out there. I KNOW if my ability to ride is taken from me I will still be here as I have made a lot of friends due to the Valkyrie and this fine forum that represents us. But I M H O-and we KNOW what that's worth-those side mounted radiater pods/thingys are still in a word-FUGLY.  RIDE SAFE.

[signart]

I'm sure all the Classic Valkyrie owners and former owners will always be welcome here, just as non owners are. If Honda was depending solely on those owners to support sales of these new bikes they won't last as long as the Rune. If they have a large following it will likely be made mostly by owners who have never even heard of this site. Like was said before they will gravitate toward their own common site for technical and general comments about what makes their choice great.

As far as the VRCC goes, I believe if it survives will evolve in to a forum for classic Honda Valkyries, such as forums for SOHC cb750's and the Yamaha 650's and so forth. There are others, but both of these very successful as amazingly this one is for a motorcycle out of production for so long.

SOHC cb750 run was only 1 yr. longer than Valkyrie, but still has a huge following. Then came the improved DOHC cb750. They were never accepted as the classic the original was, yet has it's own following but never as highly regarded.

[wiggydotcom]

I think you made some very valid points, Dave. I'm not thrilled with the new look and certainly wouldn't drop 18k on one, but.....in 3 yrs, if I see a low mile used one for 10, it might be another story. Our bikes, and good quality parts, are getting long in the tooth. It's not going to get any cheaper to replace said parts.

As for whether the new owners come to this forum, many will. Likewise, there were a number on here a while back who had nothing good to say about Facebook and that's fine. But I can pretty much bet we'll have many first time Inzane attenders that were invited/enlightened about Inzane through the 3 Facebook Valk forums. Is that a bad thing?

[Momz]

SOHC cb750 run was only 1 yr. longer than Valkyrie, but still has a huge following. Then came the improved DOHC cb750. They were never accepted as the classic the original was, yet has it's own following but never as highly regarded.

I have to disagree as I've owned both the SOHC and DOHC 750s.

They sold more of the single cammers for nine years (!969-1978), and the dual cammers (1979-1984).
The Valkyries were made for only seven years (1997-2003)

In the early/mid seventies the SOHC 750s and later the GL1000s were the biggest Hondas available.
By 1979 Honda offered the CBX, updated GLs, and the DOHCs and later the V-fours.

But the DOHCs have a very rabid following all over the world.

The DOHCs were based on the RCB endurance racing design and were even easier to maintain (as opposed to the SOHCs).

[signart]

I'm well aware the DOHC has a huge following, but not necessarily by the SOHC fanatics. The SOHC is by far the more sought after and more valuable. The DOHC would out perform the SOHC, but that's not the point. Both made by Honda, both models called cb750's, both different motorcycles, both different followings, get it?

[Momz]

I'm well aware the DOHC has a huge following, but not necessarily by the SOHC fanatics. The SOHC is by far the more sought after and more valuable. The DOHC would out perform the SOHC, but that's not the point. Both made by Honda, both models called cb750's, both different motorcycles, both different followings, get it?

Nope, but you are allowed to believe what you care to.
Heck you never even checked your production year facts.

Yes the early "sand cast" motors are sought after, but by the 1975 they were considered outdated.
The 1978 CB750F did get some of the performance back, but it was never a sales success.
Take this from someone that worked in the industry.

[signart]

I am the one here talking facts. Popularity today for the DOHC 750 is nowhere in the ballpark with the SOHC 750's even though DOHC was the "new and improved" model. The SOHC 750 is probably the most collectible Honda out there, largely based on looks of the bikes, looks of the engine, reliability, parts availability, aftermarket following, monetary value.  I have bought sold and collected both, and  I own two still.
I am comparing similarities here between two modern bikes. One will rise above the other in time.

[Moonshot_1]

I see the new and old Valkyries as two very different cycles.

I see the old Valkyrie as more of a work horse type of bike. A large and sturdy platform for luggage and gear for long trips.

I see the new Valkyrie as more of a race horse. Not so much intended for long rides.
I rode one a couple weeks ago. It's not a work horse kind of bike.

The F6B however would be a workhorse kind of bike. Rode one of those too. I thought that should have the Valkyrie name on it as well. (Like the standard and tourer models)

As to the VRCC, I don't think that this board would serve the owners of the new Valkyries well. Particularly as to the Tech sections. There are common things between them like all bikes but they are very different bikes. They would surely need their own Tech Section.

As to the general section, I'm not suggesting we kick anyone out or prevent them from being a part of this great site. Just suggesting that the owners of the new Valkyries may not find this site of any great benefit compared to other sites like a Gold Wing site.

[GotValk]

Times Change , Come on now! remember our Valks started in 1997 this is 17 years later I'd hope some things would change, We all know Honda's known for long runs on there models.

Let's all remember the good (our current bikes ) and except the new. you get down to it, it's just a different melody

[Tropic traveler]

We as VRCC members would be foolish to not welcome both new Valkyrie AND F6B owners into our fold. As far as I'm concerned the F6B *IS* the new Valkyrie Tourer.
The lineages of the '14 Valkyrie & F6B are totally in the spirit of the original Valkyrie from the GW of that time, that is easy to see.
While I have the same emotional sentiments as expressed by an earlier poster about my Valkyrie when I look at them in the garage, there is a part of me that wants to sell all 4 of our bikes & replace them with an F6B for me & possibly a CTX1300 for Kim.
Time marches on & the new F6B & Valkyrie bring damn near all the things we have been asking for in a replacement machine from our first gen Valkyries. We just have to honestly examine our needs {& finances!  } and wants from a motorcycle & go from there. Two new flat 6 powered bikes with most of the fluff from the GW removed are there now. I for one am both excited & apprehensive about them at the same time.
It is very hard to let go of a motorcycle as good as the original Valkyrie.

[olddog1946]

On a side note, I was out cruising around today before the winds hit hard and saw a herd of bikes, at a local station just off the  interstate. Crotch rockets, Harley Baggers, and assorted Vtwins and an F6B, so I pulled in to check it out.  It turned out to be a group called FULL-TILT headed back to Seattle after a rally in Spokane. The fella riding the F6B didn't even know what my Valkyrie was, and commented on what a Huge motor my bike had. He thought it was bigger the his, so now I've been to a HONDA dealer with parts guys that don't know who makes a Valkyrie, and now a rider that doesn't know what a Valkyrie is.. Goldwing boards is where they'll go, new Valkyrie riders will most likely go there as well.

[Crackerborn]

As a newcomer to the VRCC, I can say this forum wouldn't serve the new Valk owners well. I sought out  this "classic" beast when I could have had the 1800 GW in any of the available incarnations. This forum could well adapt to the "new" Valkyrie if enough of the new owners wanted to join in, but, and it is a big but, the shop talk and tech sections would have to be split old and new. I would hate to see such valuable information archived in favor of F6B or "Valkyrie the next generation" tech info. As our F6C slowly becomes harder to find, I suspect so will those of us with the desire to keep this "first generation" Valkyrie on the road. This forum will change as time moves on, how it will change is up to us as members and posters. Just as an aside, I embrace conversation with all riders, regardless of their chosen brand.

[jimmytee]

How would our "Valkyrie" site be any different than a Gold Wing Forum? Gold Wing Forums have owners of 1000 cc through 1800 Gold Wings. Of which, they have nothing but heritage in common. I don't see how it has to be any different. Yes, as tech issues develop, there would be tech knowledge accumulated. Time will tell, but other than engine and drive line, the 14 Valkyrie really has little in common with the Gold Wing. If I was a newbie to the word Valkyrie and just bought a new Valkyrie, I might google the topic in search of online forums. What's gonna come up?

[..]

How would our "Valkyrie" site be any different than a Gold Wing Forum? Gold Wing Forums have owners of 1000 cc through 1800 Gold Wings. Of which, they have nothing but heritage in common. I don't see how it has to be any different. Yes, as tech issues develop, there would be tech knowledge accumulated. Time will tell, but other than engine and drive line, the 14 Valkyrie really has little in common with the Gold Wing. If I was a newbie to the word Valkyrie and just bought a new Valkyrie, I might google the topic in search of online forums. What's gonna come up?

This

http://www.hondavalkyrie1800.com/

[jimmytee]

How would our "Valkyrie" site be any different than a Gold Wing Forum? Gold Wing Forums have owners of 1000 cc through 1800 Gold Wings. Of which, they have nothing but heritage in common. I don't see how it has to be any different. Yes, as tech issues develop, there would be tech knowledge accumulated. Time will tell, but other than engine and drive line, the 14 Valkyrie really has little in common with the Gold Wing. If I was a newbie to the word Valkyrie and just bought a new Valkyrie, I might google the topic in search of online forums. What's gonna come up?

This

http://www.hondavalkyrie1800.com/

Well there's that.   

[Wetrudgeon]

For our part, we visit this site often because there are interesting posts and people.  Beautiful and interesting motorbikes also.  We joined back when we owned the Valk and have continued to frequent in our "post Valk" epoch.  During our Valk ownership, we garnered valuable info here on the bike, but it was the interesting folks/posts that kept us coming back.  We agree with some and disagree with others, but it is mostly interesting.  In short, this site is fun for us.

We are quite interested in the new Valk, and may well own one in the near future.  We will likely come here often then too. 

Technical data will accumulate here for the new Valk if the interest is there and given adequate time, just as it has for the original Valk.  If not here, somewhere else (again, assuming the interest is there).

As an aside, we have never met a single one of you in person, and it is entirely possible that we never will.  From your posts, we have become acquainted with many and can tell that you are all interesting people and riders that we count as "friends" nonetheless.  We don't see any new bike, Valk or other, changing that.

We trudge on.

[wiggydotcom]

For our part, we visit this site often because there are interesting posts and people.  Beautiful and interesting motorbikes also.  We joined back when we owned the Valk and have continued to frequent in our "post Valk" epoch.  During our Valk ownership, we garnered valuable info here on the bike, but it was the interesting folks/posts that kept us coming back.  We agree with some and disagree with others, but it is mostly interesting.  In short, this site is fun for us.

We are quite interested in the new Valk, and may well own one in the near future.  We will likely come here often then too. 

Technical data will accumulate here for the new Valk if the interest is there and given adequate time, just as it has for the original Valk.  If not here, somewhere else (again, assuming the interest is there).

As an aside, we have never met a single one of you in person, and it is entirely possible that we never will.  From your posts, we have become acquainted with many and can tell that you are all interesting people and riders that we count as "friends" nonetheless.  We don't see any new bike, Valk or other, changing that.

We trudge on.

Well put and right on the money.   

[DIGGER]

Just curious.     Will the new F6B spank the old Valks in a standing start race?      If so.......will it take the VROD?

[Oss]

I have only sat on one F6B which was chuck's out in Phoenix

If looked great and felt really comfortable and loved where he
had the highway pegs  and he had a higher windscreen   

Lack of a trunk is no big deal for me as I have a Bushtec so
could travel for a month with my wife no troubles when the
time comes, that could be my next bike in 3 or 4 years

If I could get to Americade and ride one before heading to Inzane I would

in fact I still may do that   as I need to pick up a 3/4 helmet for
Bonnie with the intercom stuff in it

[BF]

This

http://www.hondavalkyrie1800.com/

Well, there ya go.  I rest my case.   

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I have my doubts if any new 1800 Valk riders ever show up here unless they was a member ( owned the original ) before the new model came out.

[Dave Ritsema]

I have my doubts if any new 1800 Valk riders ever show up here unless they was a member ( owned the original ) before the new model came out.

I was expressing my interest in hoping that we could make this a place where they would want to come and start learning, building, enjoying the fellowship of the new Valkyrie here.

A new tech board may be in order as some have suggested but hey, in the begining none of us knew anything about the then new Valkyries either.

[t-man403]

NEW Honda Valkyrie 1800 - Honda F6C Forum StatisticsNEW Honda Valkyrie 1800 - Honda F6C Forum Statistics

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